ISLAMABAD (APP): Federal Minister Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Barjees Tahir said the government would devise a strategic plan to ensure security for Sino-Pak developmental projects and foreign tourists in the the country .The minister was briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan on the steps being taken by the government for the foreign tourists and the Chinese working on development projects in Pakistan.The Senate body met here with Haji Adeel here at the Parliament House. The minister cited his meeting with members of the Peace Committee GB and appreciated their efforts for sustainable peace. He said the Gilgit Scouts would be equiped and trained to counter the new challenges.

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NCTA) will be set up soon for monitoring implementation of the security plan for national and sino-Pak developmental projects, he added.
The committee discussed the security situation for the Chinese workers, Afghan peace process, promotion of tourism and challenges for setting up an economic trade corridor in collaboration with China.
“The attack on the mountaineers at the Nanga Parbat base camp was a conspiracy to tarnish the image of the country,” the minister added.
The committee strongly condemned the killing of innocent foreign climbers and expressed sympathy with the the respective governments and the families of the deceased.
“The perpetrators of this henious crime wanted to defame Pakistan and sabotage its relations with the friendly countries” Haji Adeel said.
The committee, in its resolution passed on the occasion, said “Pakistan, itself is a victim of terrorism, denounces it in all forms.”
It urged the government to track dawn the culprits of this gruesome act and award them exemplary punishment.
The committee members asked the government to take steps for improving security situation in the country.
Haji Adeel said Pakistan had suffered a lot because of terrorism and paid a high price for it. However, there should be no compromise on national interests, he added.
Earlier, the committee was given a detailed briefing on the Nanga Parbat incident, intelligence sharing with friendly neighbouring countries and future security arrangements.
The committee expressed its concern over the transfers of Inspector General of Police (IG) and Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan.
Suspensions and transfers of the high-ups were not fair and may affect morale of police force, said Senator Farhat ullah Babar.
The meeting was attended by Senators Jahangir Bader, Farhatullah Babar, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Syeda Sughra Imam and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
Special Secretary Senate Amjad Pervez, Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan,Secretary Ministry of gilgit Baltistan, Shahid ullah Baig and senior officials of the ministry.